What does HVAC replacement cost?
$6,000 – $12,000 installed for a full central AC replacement — furnaces run $4,500 – $9,000, and heat pumps $8,000 – $16,000.
Repairs average $250–$650. The honest rule of thumb: if the repair costs more than half of replacement and the unit is 10+ years old, put the money toward the new system.
Cost breakdown
| Job | Typical cost | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic + common repair | $250 – $650 | Capacitors, contactors, refrigerant leaks |
| Central AC replacement | $6,000 – $12,000 | Equipment + install, typical 2–3 ton home |
| Furnace replacement (gas) | $4,500 – $9,000 | High-efficiency models at the top of the range |
| Heat pump system | $8,000 – $16,000 | Heats and cools; check current federal/state incentives |
| Ductless mini-split (1–3 zones) | $3,500 – $10,000 | Additions, garages, and homes without ducts |
Preview figures — production pricing will be regionalized from per-market research.
What moves your price
Size (tonnage)
Bigger isn't better — an oversized unit short-cycles and dies young. A real load calculation beats a guess.
Ductwork condition
Leaky or undersized ducts can eat 20–30% of a new system's performance. Good installers check before quoting.
Efficiency rating
Higher SEER2 costs more up front and pays back in hot climates and long ownership. Mid-tier is right for most.
Incentives
Heat pumps may qualify for federal tax credits and utility rebates that change the math by thousands — ask for current numbers.
Want the exact number for your house?
A local hvac pro can look at your exact situation and quote it — free, no obligation, and your info goes to one pro, not a call list.